Tips to Manage Data Usage

At Digicel we want you to get the most from your data plan - here are our top 10 tips to help you stay connected & in control.

[1] Video and voice calls on WhatsApp & Facebook are data intensive

If you are not connected to Wi-Fi and make or receive a Voice or Video call over WhatsApp, Facebook, or a similar application these services are data intensive compared to a standard voice call - and will use the data of both parties. For more information on data usage & examples of typical consumption rates click here.

[2] Close Background Apps

Instant messaging, YouTube and social media Apps sometimes use background data. Click here for instructions on how to disable background data. It's also a good idea to uninstall any Applications that you are no longer using, this will also help with storage & battery life.

[3] Remember: Video and Music Streaming Apps Use Much More Data Than Other Apps

Streaming music and using video on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook consumes your data far quicker than other actions. Typical data usage rates for Music and Video are available here.

Downloading content over Wi-Fi and listening or viewing offline is one way to minimize data usage with these types of Apps. Why not check out d'Music which offers the ability to download and listen offline.

[4]Turn off notifications for Apps not in use

Your smartphone may use data in order to display push notifications and updates. You can minimize this data usage by blocking applications from displaying notifications. This option can be changed in the 'Settings' section of your device and can be configured on a per App basis so you can choose exactly which Apps to select.

[5] Use My Digicel & set limits to control your data usage

To better manage your data you can set data limits & track usage on your phone in 'settings'. Click here for steps on how to do so. You may also visit the My Digicel App for more details on your data transaction history.

[6]Having a Data Plan is Better Value than Paying 'As You Go'

By using data on a Pay As You Go basis, you are charged per MegaByte (per MB) for data usage. However with a data plan, your costs are fixed unless you go over your data allowance, allowing you to save a lot more than using your data through pay-as-you-go. To learn more about our great range of plans including Quick Picks with 'Rollover Data', and details of our out of bundle rates, click here.

[7]Switch Off Default Settings such as auto-play on Apps and Devices

Apps like Facebook, WhatsApp or Instagram can have a default settings that can use data by automatically playing videos that appear in your feed. To save your data, you can turn off auto playing of videos on social media platforms by selecting the App then 'settings' then 'data usage'. Similarly, for email accounts that you do not frequent, turn off notifications as your phone can use data to synchronize and notify you of new emails on an ongoing basis unless you change this.

[8]Use Wi-Fi To Download Apps And Large Files Or Update Apps

Updating and downloading Apps can increase data usage. You can configure how your device handles Apps updates in Settings via "confirm updates" and changing this to "update over WiFi only".

[9]Turn Off Mobile Data When Sleeping. Use Wi-Fi Whenever Possible

Although you may not be on your phone, there can still be data activity such as applications updating or incoming notifications. To save on your data, turn off mobile data and connect to Wi-Fi when asleep. Remember to switch on your mobile data once you resume using your phone.

[10] Save Data -Turn Off Maps, Navigation & Location Based Services

Even when Apps are not in use, location services use sources like Wi-Fi and mobile networks to give location information faster and more accurately. To avoid unnecessary data charges, switch off location services in your settings.

For more tips, access to our knowledge base and to stay in control of your account, why not download the free My Digicel App?